What is SOPA about?

[WhyBotherToTry]

Ok I know I sound like a massive idiot who's being living in a cave for the last few months for asking this but what is SOPA really about and what would be the effects of it should it pass? I haven't really been paying attention to it up until now and after looking up several videos and articles about it, I feel more confused than ever. Could someone please explain it to me or point me in the direction of something that will explain it comprehensively? Thanks.

 

[piplink]

basicly, SOPA or the stop online piracy act will allow coperations to shut down any website that they deem "infringes copyright". so youtube, facebook, twitter, and all those other video uploading websites will go down.

 

[Wushu Panda]

basicly, SOPA or the stop online piracy act will allow coperations to shut down any website that they deem "infringes copyright". so youtube, facebook, twitter, and all those other video uploading websites will go down.

Its also likely google will suffer as well as the possibility of forums (escapist, 4chan, etc). anything that has allowed the free flow of data.